Civic Alliance and the Association “Štrpci – Against Oblivion” welcome the decision of Bijelo Polje Municipal Assembly to establish the “Tomo Buzov” Award.
We remind the public that Civic Alliance and the Association “Štrpci – Against Oblivion” submitted an initiative to the Municipality of Bijelo Polje in February this year, proposing the establishment of the “Tomo Buzov” Award for outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights.
The award will be presented annually on February 27th – the anniversary of the abduction of passengers from the train in Štrpci – as an act of remembrance and respect for the victims of this crime. At the same time, this date will serve as an opportunity to recognize those who, guided by the same values of humanity and justice, are working today to build a more tolerant society. The award will be presented to individuals and organizations working in the field of human rights protection.
The name Tomo Buzov, after whom the award is named, serves as a lasting reminder that even in times of wartime madness, some are ready to defy evil and indifference resolutely.
As a retired officer of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), Buzov lost his life on February 27, 1993, during the abduction in Štrpci because he attempted to protect Bosniak civilians who were being forcibly taken from the train by members of the Army of the Republika Srpska.
Notably, this award has been established by a municipality from which many of the Štrpci abduction victims originated, demonstrating the local authorities’ willingness to nurture the values that form the foundation of a just society through concrete and lasting institutional practices.
We are confident that the “Tomo Buzov” Award, as an example of responsible local policy, will serve as an inspiration for other communities to foster a culture of remembrance, as well as the values of solidarity and respect for human rights.
